The VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Swedish Massage (QCF) is a specialist vocationally related qualification. This qualification will enable learners at a minimum to gain skills, knowledge and understanding required in order to perform Swedish massage treatments for clients. Learners will gain skills and knowledge and the understanding needed to perform professional Swedish massage treatments for clients via employment or self employment in the beauty therapy or complementary therapy industry. This qualification is most suited to learners who wish to advance in their profession.

Course Content: This qualification is made up of the following units

R/600/8780 - Monitor and Maintain Health & Safety Practice

1. Be able to carry out a risk assessment

1.1 carry out risk assessments and take necessary actions
1.2 state the reason for carrying out risk assessments
1.3 describe the procedures for carrying out a risk assessment
1.4 describe when risk assessments should be carried out
1.5 outline necessary actions to take following a risk assessment

2. Be able to monitor health and safety in the workplace

2.1 monitor and support the work of others to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements
2.2 outline the health and safety support that should be provided to staff
2.3 outline procedures for dealing with different types of security breaches
2.4 explain the need for insurance

1.1 prepare themselves, client and work area for body massage
1.2 use suitable consultation techniques to identify treatment objectives
1.3 advise the client on how to prepare for the treatment
1.4 provide clear recommendations to the client
1.5 select products and tools to suit client treatment needs, skin types and conditions
1.6 describe salon requirements for preparing themselves, the client and work area
1.7 describe the environmental conditions suitable for body massage treatments
1.8 describe the different consultation techniques used to identify treatment objectives
1.9 describe how to select products and tools to suit client treatment needs, skin types and conditions
1.10 describe the different skin types and conditions
1.11 explain the contra-indications that prevent or restrict body massage treatments
1.12 state the objectives of massage treatments
1.13 state the benefits derived from massage treatments
1.14 identify general body types
1.15 describe the different types of body fat
1.16 outline common postural faults

2. Be able to provide for a body massage treatment

2.1 communicate and behave in a professional manner
2.2 follow health and safety working practices
2.3 position themselves and client correctly throughout the treatment
2.4 use products, tools and techniques to suit clients treatment needs, skin types and conditions
2.5 complete the treatment to the satisfaction of the client
2.6 record and evaluate the results of the treatment
2.7 provide suitable aftercare advice
2.8 explain how to communicate and behave in a professional manner
2.9 describe health and safety working practices
2.10 explain the importance of positioning themselves and the client correctly throughout the treatment
2.11 explain the importance of using products, tools and techniques to suit clients treatment needs, skin types and conditions
2.12 Describe the benefits and uses of mechanical massage and pre-heat treatments
2.13 describe how treatments can be adapted to suit client treatment needs, skin types and conditions
2.14 state the contra-actions that may occur during and following treatments and how to respond
2.15 explain the importance of completing the treatment to the satisfaction of the client
2.16 explain the importance of completing treatment records
2.17 describe the methods of evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment
2.18 describe the aftercare advice that should be provided
2.19 describe the structure and the main functions of the following body systems in relation to massage:
- skin
- skeletal
- muscular
- cardio-vascular
- lymphatic
- nervous
- digestive
- urinary
- endocrine
2.20 describe the main diseases and disorders of body systems
2.21 describe the effects of massage on the body
2.22 describe the uses of the five classical massage movements
2.23 describe the uses of different massage mediums
2.24 describe the legislation relating to the provision of massage treatments

T/601/4457 - Client care and communication

1. Be able to communicate and behave in a professional manner when dealing with clients

1.1 behave in a professional manner within the workplace
1.2 use effective communication techniques when dealing with clients
1.3 adapt methods of communication to suit different situations and client needs
1.4 use effective consultation techniques to identify treatment objectives
1.5 provide clear recommendations to the client
1.6 assess the advantages and disadvantages of different types of communication used with clients
1.7 describe how to adapt methods of communication to suit the client and their needs
1.8 explain what is meant by the term ‘professionalism’ within beauty related industries
1.9 explain the importance of respecting a client’s ‘personal space’
1.10 describe how to use suitable consultation techniques to identify treatment objectives
1.11 explain the importance of providing clear recommendations to the client